Building Community:
How 19six’s Newest Principal, Michael Schöen, Is Deepening Our Firm’s Commitment to Impactful Projects in the Fresno Region
FRESNO, CA — Few architects know California’s San Joaquin Valley like Michael Schöen. As a fifth-generation Californian with more than three decades of experience serving educational institutions and public agencies across the State, Schöen has joined 19six Architects as a Principal Architect, bringing deep regional roots, longstanding relationships, and extensive design expertise, along with a sustained commitment to the communities he serves.
Over the past three years, Schöen has established a strong presence in the Fresno region, earning the trust of K-12 districts, community colleges, universities, and civic agencies. His experience includes facility planning, modernization, new construction, infrastructure improvements, campus transformations, and public-sector projects that have helped shape communities across the Central Valley. From career technical education (CTE) facilities and student-centered learning environments to athletic complexes, performing arts venues, administrative facilities, and civic infrastructure, Schöen has successfully guided projects that support education, public service, and long-term community growth.
“Michael is exactly the type of leader we look for at 19six. He has earned the trust and respect of clients through decades of experience. He has built valued partnerships and provided thoughtful leadership. Mike demonstrates a genuine commitment to the communities he serves. In fact, what makes this especially exciting is that he strengthens our presence in Fresno and the surrounding regions and reinforces our mission to enrich communities through thoughtful, lasting impact.”
– Alan Kroeker, Senior Principal Architect
For 19six, local delivery means engaging, experienced leaders who live within the communities they serve, while providing access to the collective expertise of more than a century in education, civic, healthcare, housing, and community design.
“What attracted me to 19six was the firm’s culture and its commitment to people. Throughout my career, relationships have always come first. I have long admired 19six’s reputation for collaboration, responsiveness, and client relationships. Joining the firm allows me to continue serving the communities I care deeply about while bringing additional resources, expertise, and opportunities to clients throughout the region.”
– Mike Schöen
As a Principal Architect, Schöen will help lead 19six’s continued growth, serving communities and clients across Fresno, Madera, Kings, Tulare, Kern, and neighboring counties. He will support educational and civic projects throughout the region while helping to strengthen client service, mentoring future leaders, and advancing the firm’s long-term commitment to local service.
“Michael’s arrival represents much more than growth. It represents an investment in relationships and in the future of the region. For more than 120 years, 19six has built its reputation by becoming part of the communities it serves. Michael’s leadership, experience, and deep understanding of the Valley’s educational and public-sector landscape strengthen our ability to do exactly that for generations to come. Our clients benefit from the depth of experience, technical resources, and specialized knowledge of 19six’s statewide practice while continuing to work with leaders who understand their communities, priorities, and challenges firsthand. Michael embodies that approach perfectly.”
– Alan Kroeker, Senior Principal Architect
Schöen’s addition comes at an exciting time for 19six as the firm continues to expand its presence and deepen its roots throughout the region. Together with plans already underway for a Fresno office, this investment reflects 19six’s long-term commitment to providing responsive local service backed by the resources, expertise, and stability of one of California’s most established architectural practices.
Chris Brune
Marketing & Business Development Director